perfect indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfect indifference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete lack of interest or concern about something. Example: "Her perfect indifference to the criticism left everyone in the room speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A Union artillery officer confessed that throughout Gettysburg "somehow or other I felt a joyous exaltation, a perfect indifference to circumstances, through the whole of that three days' fight, and I have seldom enjoyed three days more in my life".

The New York Times

Powell, with his clipped mustache, his deep voice, his invariable suit, tie, and hat, and his perfect indifference to everything but Myrna Loy, was a generation's ideal of American suavity.

The New Yorker

But the story is so thoroughly adapted to expressing that meaning, so tightly organised, so concentrated in its forward drive towards its goal, as to suggest the athlete's perfect indifference to anything outside the goal.

The Guardian - Books

Iago is an extreme instance of the kind: that is to say, of diseased intellectual activity, with the most perfect indifference to moral good or evil, or rather with a decided preference of the latter, because it falls more readily in with this favourite propensity, gives greater zest to his thoughts and scope to his actions".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

2) Complete indifference.

Huffington Post

By changing the duration of perfect health an indifference point can be sought.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Some imperial observers insist, however, that a baby will be the perfect antidote to the indifference.

The New York Times

In retrospect her indifference made perfect sense.

Vice

Dean's expression and outfit reflect the perfect picture of despondent indifference.

Huffington Post

"This was a perfect storm of deliberate indifference and malfeasance by the Department of Mental Health and the Sheriff's Department," said Ron Kaye, the Losorelli family's attorney.

Los Angeles Times

I address the circumstances of that famous phrase in my book, Deadly Indifference: The Perfect (Political) Storm, Rowman & Littlefield, and Taylor Trade, 2011.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfect indifference" to describe a state of complete emotional detachment or lack of concern, especially when emphasizing a deliberate or cultivated disinterest.

Common error

Avoid using "perfect indifference" interchangeably with simple apathy or disinterest. "Perfect indifference" implies a more profound or even studied lack of concern, not merely a passing lack of interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfect indifference" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It characterizes the degree or extent of indifference. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression, while infrequent, is grammatically sound and useful.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfect indifference" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a complete lack of interest or concern. While not very common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media sources, as analyzed by Ludwig. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Related phrases such as "complete apathy" or "total detachment" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When using this phrase, it's important to convey a strong sense of emotional detachment, not a passing lack of interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete apathy

Emphasizes a total lack of feeling or interest, similar to perfect indifference but focusing on emotion.

utter disinterest

Highlights a complete lack of interest, differing slightly in that indifference can sometimes imply a passive state.

unmitigated apathy

Similar to complete apathy but emphasizes that there is no change in apathy.

profound lack of interest

Like utter disinterest, this phrase centers on the absence of interest.

total detachment

Stresses the separation and lack of involvement, focusing on emotional distance.

unequivocal detachment

Focuses on complete separation and emotional distance.

absolute unconcern

Focuses on the absence of worry or care, where indifference might imply a lack of awareness.

thorough unconcern

Stresses the absence of worry or care.

sheer nonchalance

Highlights a casual lack of concern, suggesting a more active and perhaps affected disinterest.

pure nonchalance

Highlights a casual lack of concern.

FAQs

How can "perfect indifference" be used in a sentence?

"Perfect indifference" describes a complete lack of interest or concern. For example: "Her perfect indifference to the suffering of others was shocking."

What are some alternatives to "perfect indifference"?

Alternatives include "complete apathy", "utter disinterest", or "total detachment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "perfect indifference" the same as apathy?

While related, "perfect indifference" suggests a more profound or cultivated lack of concern, whereas apathy can simply imply a lack of interest or motivation. Apathy is about a general lack of enthusiasm and interest, while "perfect indifference" suggests a controlled emotional response.

When is it appropriate to use "perfect indifference" in writing?

Use "perfect indifference" when you want to emphasize a deliberate or complete lack of concern, often in situations where one might expect an emotional response. Be careful not to overuse the phrase, as it can sound overly dramatic.